Making sure your tenant's home is secure

Fit security locks to all openable windows on ground floors and accessible windows on upper floors

Shared houses, particularly those occupied by students, are particularly at risk of burglary as they are often left unoccupied during the day and during vacations and there is usually a large amount of expensive electrical equipment to attract burglars.

It is therefore important to fit suitable security locks to all openable windows on the ground floor and accessible windows on upper floors.

Entrance doors at the front and rear should have good quality locks and it is advisable to strengthen the door frames around the lock keep sections. Locks to entrance doors should be openable from the inside without using a key in order to ensure that the way out is not cut off in the event of a fire.

Locks should therefore be located on a position on the door which cannot be reached by breaking a pane of glass in or near the door. Glass in exterior doors should also be fitted with spy holes and chains for added security whilst the house is occupied.

Basic security measures require lights with sensors at the front and rear entrances.